Milliken prepares to launch major clarifier plant

Milliken & Company will begin production at its new clarifier plant soon in Blacksburg, S.C. This significant additional capacity will address strong worldwide demand for clarified plastic products. The company, a global manufacturer with plastic additives and colorants expertise, says this new, world-class facility will increase production capacity of its market-leading Millad® NX® 8000 polypropylene clarifier by more than 50 percent.

“This represents the largest clarifier plant investment in Milliken history,” said Cindy Boiter, president of Milliken’s Chemicals Business. “Engineering is complete, and we are in the process of commissioning the plant. When we launch production in the fall, it will allow us to address both current market needs and increasing demand for these products well into the future.”

“Global demand for Millad NX 8000 clarifier has grown at an 11 percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for each of the past nine years,” added Boiter. “Global clarifier demand grew by 16 percent in just the past two years,” outstripping the growth rates for global polypropylene (PP) resin. “All regions have contributed to the growth of clarified PP, with Asia leading the way.”

A number of factors are driving this demand. Milliken’s own customer research underscores the importance of being able to clearly see the products they are buying. Millad NX 8000 provides close to glass-like clarity in PP packaging, which improves customer confidence during their buying process, especially for food products. This clarity enables brand owners to replace PET, polystyrene, polycarbonate and more with PP — shown by studies to be a more sustainable option. The current soaring energy prices, meanwhile, have also spiked interest in any resins or additives like this one, which can help converters to save energy during processing and improve production efficiency. As a result of these certified savings, brand owners using PP clarified with Millad NX 8000 ECO can display a UL Environmental Claim Validation label on their injection molded parts.

Polypropylene is not only lightweight and durable; it also is one of the least energy-intensive polymers to make and recycle compared to other clear polymers.

“Brand owners and packaging producers are seeing how Millad NX 8000 can contribute to improved environmental and manufacturing results. It is one of the more important clarifier developments in recent memory,” said Global Vice President – Plastic Additives Wim Van de Velde.

Additionally, the pandemic has dramatically altered many consumer habits, perhaps permanently, in the case of booming e-commerce and the growing popularity of food-delivery services. Thin-wall injection molded containers made using clarified PP – with their lightweight, durable and transparent characteristics – have proven to be a popular solution to packaging challenges facing both the e-commerce and food-service industries. “We don’t see that changing,” said Van de Velde.

TotalEnergies and Vanheede Environment Group sign a commercial agreement to scale up the manufacturing of circular polymers from post-consumption plastic waste

TotalEnergies and Vanheede Environment Group announce today the signing of a long-term commercial agreement for the supply of post-consumer recycled (PCR) raw material, to be used as feedstock in the production of circular polymers for durable applications.

Under this agreement, Vanheede Polymers & Compounds will supply PCR raw material coming from its sites in France and Belgium, including Dottignies, where a new plastic waste treatment facility using innovative technology is currently under construction. The raw material will then be used as feedstock by TotalEnergies to produce circular polymers for durable applications, such as in the automotive and construction sectors.

This agreement will support TotalEnergies growing sales of mechanically recycled polymers in Europe, including its subsidiary Synova, French leader in manufacturing recycled polypropylene for the automotive sector, that announced late 2021 the doubling of its capacity to 45,000 tonnes per year.

This signing is the first step of a strategic partnership supporting both compagnies’ commitment to develop plastics recycling and contribute to addressing the challenge of the circular economy.

“This new agreement is an important step in securing high quality post-consumer raw materials. It will allow us to accelerate our growth in recycled polymers and develop new projects to reach our ambition of producing 30% circular polymers by 2030,” said Valérie Goff, Senior Vice President, Polymers at TotalEnergies.

“This agreement demonstrates the Vanheede philosophy to transform plastic waste into circular high-end polymers in the most sustainable way. This partnership shows the confidence of TotalEnergies in our innovative recycling technology,” said David Vanheede, CEO Vanheede Environment Group.

Mondi feeds pet market growth with sustainable packaging at Interzoo

• Mondi to display full packaging portfolio at leading pet food trade fair Interzoo in Germany to demonstrate how innovative flexible solutions can help the industry become more sustainable.
• Mondi’s expertise helps customers move forward with innovative paper and plastic packaging that supports them in achieving their sustainability goals.

  Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is presenting its broad portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions at this month’s Interzoo and demonstrating how flexible packaging can drive sustainability in the pet food industry.

Packaging for pet food and pet care needs to be both protective and sustainable – the food contents need to remain fresh and intact but the top priority for eight of ten pet owners is packaging that is sustainable, according to a recent Mondi Dow Premium pet packaging survey. Shoppers worldwide are shifting towards mindful consumption and actively choosing brands that reduce their impact on the environment, particularly in light of the rise in eCommerce.

Mondi’s expertise helps pet food manufacturers all over the world respond to this, through its EcoSolutions approach. Working closely with customers means the best possible solution can be created. Those solutions use paper where possible and plastic when useful – and help consumers contribute to a better world once pets have been fed.

At this year’s Interzoo, Mondi will be exhibiting a wide range of packaging solutions for the pet food industry to meet the individual needs of customers:

RetortPouch Recyclable is perfect for wet pet food. A new high barrier pouch, it can replace complex multi-layer and unrecyclable packaging, offering a solution that can withstand high temperatures, protect the product, and provide excellent shelf life while reducing food waste.

Mondi’s FlexiBag Recyclable prove popular for dry pet food, meanwhile – a reclosable high barrier packaging solution that confines smells, protects the product and is recyclable, it is already being used by several leading pet food brands.

“We are really looking forward to meeting our partners, customers and suppliers face to face once more,” says Alexander Korolchuk, Business Development Manager Pet Food for Consumer Flexibles, Mondi. “This is an important event on the pet food calendar and will allow us to show how Mondi’s technical skills, capabilities and global presence mean we can help drive an even stronger pet food sector, by reducing food waste while improving product protection and end user trust.”

The world´s leading trade fair for the pet industry is welcoming manufacturers, retailers and suppliers back to Nuremberg, Germany, from 24 to 27 May 2022. Mondi is present in hall 7A-216 and displaying further paper and plastic solutions, as e.g. paper-based FlexiBags that are made from renewable materials and enhanced with a functional barrier to reduce the amount of plastic used while ensuring premium product protection and convenient handling for consumers. High quality Block or Pinch bottom paper bags are available with a variety of barrier options to bring the required protection to the pet food through coated material, laminated or free film between the paper plies, or greaseproof paper.

Here we go – Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) is ready for a sustainable future

With an annual report entitled ‘Here.We.Go’ and a sustainability report ‘Shaping sustainable living, together’, B.I.G. is also publishing a strong ambition for a sustainable future.

Offering sustainable flooring and material solutions will be the number one priority for the coming years.

The Group’s first sustainability report is built around a self-designed sustainability model – “Route 2030” – which is based on achievable commitments, covers the main priorities and reflects B.I.G.’s vision in a sincere way.

“We fully realize that the road ahead is still long and bumpy, but if there is one thing we have learned in recent years, it is this: the greatest threat to our planet is thinking that someone else will save it. Today, we feel ready and equipped to take on our responsibility” says Pol Deturck, CEO.

Our vision for the B.I.G. change is to actively build a better future by reducing our carbon footprint to zero, taking care of our people and those around us, and doing business in a transparent, integer way. In this sense, it is the perfect translation of the Group’s purpose defined in 2021: shaping sustainable living, together.

Pol Deturck adds “By 2030, together with a broad group of suppliers, stakeholders and partners, we want to be the leader in sustainable flooring and material solutions. Specifically, our future value proposition is based on products and services that are environmentally & climate friendly, circular and offered by talented, innovative people with an emphasis on integrity and respect for values. This results more in a recurring value proposition for the future.”

Clear growth ambitions
As a 100% family-owned international Group with a clear long-term vision, we stayed true to our plans and kept on investing in all areas of our business. Just as our past investments allowed us to thrive in 2021, today’s investments will make us even stronger in the years to come.

“The ambition for 2021 was to invest over 100 mio euro. But we were held back by external, unforeseen factors: from delays on quotes and execution to the lack of availability and resources due to the pandemic. If all goes as planned, we’ll make up for it in 2022 with an investment budget well over 100 million euro. The main areas of interest will be sustainability, innovation and Industry 4.0.” says Pieter-Jan Sonck, CFO of B.I.G.

Our global transformation strategy ONE B.I.G. is gaining momentum across all business units and regions. Some of the more concrete initiatives that saw the light of day in 2021 were our new platform for customer relationship management, the acceleration of digital solutions into our operations and the launch of the B.I.G. University offering learning trajectories for our people.

A significant milestone in turnover
Adding to the gradual top-line growth of recent years, the Group can look back on an unprecedented financial boom. The driving forces: favorable market conditions, a revitalized growth strategy and a team of nearly 5.000 first-class employees.

B.I.G. reported a turnover of EUR 2,5 billion, an increase of 45 % compared to 2020. The Group ebitda amounted to EUR 451 million, an increase of 120 % compared to 2020 and a net result of EUR 274 million, a growth of 215% compared to 2020.

Since the pandemic shook various macro- and micro-economic systems to their foundations, our integrated business model has proven to be a great recipe for resilience. B.I.G. was able to mitigate major supply chain risks thanks to its strong vertical integration, while we also balanced out local market dynamics with our vast geographical presence.

Fruitful year for all Business Units
It was a fruitful year for all 3 business units, but our business unit Polymers stood out. Exceptionally strong demand in Europe and North America, combined with raw material shortages and unplanned shutdowns of competitors, pushed prices and margins up to historical highs. Well aware that this combination of market conditions puts our overall figures into perspective, B.I.G. has proven to be capable of going the extra mile. The Polymers facilities ran at full capacity to meet the customers’ needs and hit all-time profit records during several months.

Our business unit Flooring Solutions also fared well. Most divisions and regions outperformed amid surging energy prices, disrupted supply chains, cost volatility in transport and raw materials, and other challenges. Our sustained focus on innovation, design and product differentiation led to an improved operating result at the end of 2021, and we continue on the same track.

The achievements by Engineered Solutions echo those of the other two business units, from volume increases to budget increases. B.I.G. took big leaps forward in all its key markets, including the automotive sector, geotextiles and filtration.

Download the annual report and sustainability report at this link.

Röhm Digitalizes Processes with Shiftconnector® from eschbach

With the help of Shiftconnector®, a software solution from the global software provider eschbach, chemical company Röhm has digitalized its processes and, in so doing, achieved lasting improvements in the areas of safety, quality and productivity.

Röhm GmbH, a company steeped in tradition, is a globally leading provider of methacrylate products, including the world-famous PLEXIGLAS® brand. With 15 production sites on four continents, Röhm supplies future markets such as automotive, the electronics industry, and medical devices – and recently started using Shiftconnector® to support its business.

Digitally supported shift handover for greater safety and productivity
Shiftconnector is a software solution for Plant Process Management (PPM) and was developed specifically for the chemical industry. It connects production plant personnel working in a 24/7 shift system with one another, and ensures smooth communication, as well as transparency and traceability, especially during the critical shift handovers. Dr. Hans-Peter Hauck, COO of Röhm GmbH, says: “Since the spin-off from the Evonik Group in 2019, we have driven forward digitalization in our company.” For the digitalization projects within production, the individual plant teams were interviewed in order to determine the actual needs. In addition, a market analysis was carried out with the help of a consultant, and eschbach’s Shiftconnector was implemented at Röhm worldwide.

The PPM software from eschbach offers companies a central platform that brings together all the information related to production and processes. With interfaces both to the plants and the production workers, Shiftconnector merges process data, and information statuses and know-how from workers centrally, so that all levels – from top management to plant and shift management, and the plant operator – have relevant information at all times.

Decentralized implementation successfully completed worldwide
Shiftconnector’s implementation at Röhm was not managed centrally from its headquarters but instead looked after by local project management, which proved to be an especially efficient approach. In addition, it was possible to carry out the entire rollout online, which contributed to the rapid and lasting success. Where individual production workers used to have a pen, paper and camera with them on their rounds, all it takes now is a few clicks on a tablet to transfer, for example, entries from the shift rounds into the PPM system.

Feedback from the end users is overwhelmingly positive: “Shiftconnector is also very helpful in analyzing anomalies and problems in ongoing production,” says plant manager Dr. Sibylle Strandt. “The ordered merging of the process data from the plant with the data from the workers makes root cause analysis and troubleshooting a whole lot easier.” And Hauck adds: “Shiftconnector has helped significantly to improve the quality, safety, and productivity of our processes.”

Trinohex® Ultra LIB electrolyte additive now available in EU

HOUSTON – Ascend Performance Materials’ Trinohex® Ultra is now REACH-registered and available across the European Union.

“The demand for safe, reliable and longer-lasting batteries will only increase as we continue to shift toward e-mobility and renewable energy,” said Dave McNeece, sustainable specialties senior business manager at Ascend. “In many ways, Europe is at the forefront of adopting these technologies and we can now support lithium-ion battery innovation and production with Trinohex Ultra.”

In third-party testing, Trinohex Ultra has demonstrated superior cathode protection across cathode and electrolyte chemistries. This protection leads to a 30% reduction in harmful gas generation and longer-lasting performance, especially in extreme conditions.

“Trinohex Ultra solves many of the challenges with lithium-ion batteries,” said Mr. McNeece. “Improved safety accelerates adoption and longer-lasting performance reduces harmful waste as the industry explores effective recycling options. Also, its effectiveness across chemistries potentially reduces the reliance on constrained resources.”

Trinohex Ultra is manufactured on world-scale assets and readily available globally.

Mondi and beck packautomaten launch FunctionalBarrier Paper solution dedicated to automated eCommerce packaging

• Mondi has partnered with beck packautomaten to launch a strong, flexible paper-based packaging solution dedicated to the eCommerce industry.
• The solution uses 95% paper and is recyclable across all European paper waste streams.
• FunctionalBarrier Paper can replace unnecessary plastic packaging, enabling shipments to arrive safely in sustainable and right-sized packaging.

  Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has collaborated with German machine supplier beck packautomaten to create a functional paper solution that has the potential to revolutionise eCommerce by replacing plastic packaging and creating right-sized packaging for a wide range of products.

The eCommerce market has grown significantly in recent years, accounting for approximately 20% of global retail sales in 2021[1]. This means a wider variety of goods is being distributed, requiring packaging of different sizes, shapes and strengths. Mondi’s annual consumer trend research showed that online retailers are actively seeking packaging solutions that are practical, ensure optimal protection of goods shipped and are sustainable – 82% of customers prefer eCommerce packaging that is recyclable.

Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper is 95% paper and features enhanced barrier properties to guarantee premium product protection against water vapour and moisture. This is essential for many products being shipped, including electronic goods. The paper is made with a higher strength, enabling it to carry heavier items without breakage. It is responsibly sourced, made of renewable materials and recyclable in existing recycling streams throughout Europe.

Beck’s automated packing machine ensures that products of different sizes are packed according to their requirements. The machine measures the packed goods and calculates the paper needed, reducing excess usage of the material and thereby minimising waste and costs. Stable sealing of Mondi’s paper on all four sides of the packaging ensures that it meets logistics requirements and protects goods in transit – as successfully proven during tests in Mondi’s ISTA certified lab in its Bupak plant.

Thomas Lunz, Industry Group Manager Functional Paper, Mondi Functional Paper & Films, says: “All types of goods are being transported around the globe on a daily basis. The need to create bespoke packaging that reduces waste, protects the wide range of products and delivers on sustainability targets is enormous. Our FunctionalBarrier Paper enables online retailers to continue reducing the use of unnecessary plastic following our approach of using paper where possible and plastic when useful.”

Alexander Deharde, Sales Director, beck packautomaten adds: “Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper has excellent runnability on our automated packing lines and is a sustainable solution that replaces plastic packaging for online shipments. In a first cooperation with a European fashion retailer, we reduced plastic use significantly and will be able to save them more than 45 tonnes of plastic every year once the switch is completed.”

Mondi and beck packautomaten will present the FunctionalBarrier Paper at the LogiMAT fair from 31 May to 2 June in Stuttgart, Germany.

Clariant and Lummus awarded contract for one of the world’s largest PDH units

• Fujian Meide will use Clariant’s CATOFIN® catalysts and Lummus Technology’s propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology to produce 900,000 metric tons per annum of propylene at its petrochemicals complex in Fuzhou, China
• The win underscores the need for catalyst and technology innovations that allow for larger PDH units with higher returns on investment; no other PDH technology has been commercially proven at this scale to date
• This will become Fujian Meide’s second PDH unit, and one of the world’s largest

Clariant and its process partner Lummus have been awarded a major contract by Fujian Meide to supply CATOFIN technology and catalysts for a new, world-scale propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit in Fuzhou, China. Already operating one PDH unit at its Fuzhou petrochemical complex, Fujian Meide is now building one of the largest PDH units in the world and has selected the CATOFIN process and catalysts for the project’s second phase. The new unit will produce 900,000 metric tons of propylene annually and is scheduled to commence operation in 2023.

Stefan Heuser, Senior Vice President & General Manager at Clariant Catalysts, commented, “This strategic collaboration exemplifies our dedication to product innovation with ground-breaking chemistry, such as our Heat Generating Material (HGM). As a result, HGM, together with new Lummus process technology, reduces energy consumption of the CATOFIN process by one-third, making it a low-carbon route to propylene production.”

Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lummus Technology, added, “Our close partnership with Clariant has continued to improve CATOFIN over the years to the benefit of our customers. The process has a proven track record of excellent productivity, often even beyond design capacity (up to 110% on average), giving producers a significantly higher return on investment and more profitable daily operations. This has made it a global leader for propylene production.”

Zheng Chaohui, President at Fujian Meide Petrochemical Co., stated, “With an annual capacity of 900,000 tons, our second PDH unit will be among the world’s largest. No other PDH technology is proven at such scale, and we needed outstanding performance. CATOFIN was our first choice because it is widely recognized as one of the most advanced solutions in the PDH industry. Clariant and Lummus Technology have already proven to be the right partners for us, not only with their products, but also with their technical expertise.”

The CATOFIN process combines Lummus’s advanced technology with Clariant’s tailor-made catalysts and Heat Generating Material (HGM) to convert propane to propylene with exceptional reliability. Since its commercial launch in 2017, CATOFIN has been selected for 34 new projects around the world, representing more than 24,000 kilotons of new propylene capacity annually. Over 50% of these plants are located in China.

Fujian Meide Petrochemical Co. is a fully owned subsidiary of Zhongjing Petrochemicals Group, which is headquartered in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China. Specialized in energy, petrochemicals, logistics and packaging, Zhongjing Petrochemicals Group is the largest producer of BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) films in China, with an annual capacity of 1 million tons of BOPP and 4 million tons of polypropylene.

CATOFIN® IS A TRADEMARK OF CLARIANT REGISTERED IN MANY COUNTRIES.

TPE, a “perfect tee” material for golf equipment

Golfing provides both pleasure and rewarding health benefits for people who are sedentary or do not enjoy high-intensity activities. According to studies, golf is an example of a quality exercise that can favor people of all ages by promoting endurance, improving coordination, and ensuring cardiovascular health, among other benefits.

Because control and manipulative skills are important in golf, only top-tier equipment is recommended to make the best shots! Advanced materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), have dependably improved the quality, design, and functionality of golf equipment such as clubs, including the putter, pitching wedge and drivers, golf ball retriever, golf club scrubber, golf divider, ball, range finder, and others.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer of a wide range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom solutions for a variety of industries, aces at producing high-quality TPE compounds that deliver the desired performance of sports equipment.

TPEs have high durability, flexibility, a wide range of hardness, elasticity, and are resistant to UV, temperature, and chemicals.

AD/PA series – Winning feel
The AD/PA series offers a soft-touch, dry haptics surface that is ideal for use in golf equipment handles and seals. The AD/PA series compounds ensure that golf putter or wedge grip, range finder, golf divot remover, and other similar parts are of the highest quality.

The TPE series also has good adhesion with PA6, PA12, and PA 6.6, as well as up to 50% glass fiber. It also has temperature stability up to 90°C and an optimized properties flow. It is available in both natural and black colors, allowing for a variety of color options based on customer preference. Golfing provides both pleasure and rewarding health benefits for people who are sedentary or do not enjoy high-intensity activities. According to studies, golf is an example of a quality exercise that can favor people of all ages by promoting endurance, improving coordination, and ensuring cardiovascular health, among other benefits.

Because control and manipulative skills are important in golf, only top-tier equipment is recommended to make the best shots! Advanced materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), have dependably improved the quality, design, and functionality of golf equipment such as clubs, including the putter, pitching wedge and drivers, golf ball retriever, golf club scrubber, golf divider, ball, range finder, and others.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer of a wide range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom solutions for a variety of industries, aces at producing high-quality TPE compounds that deliver the desired performance of sports equipment.

TPEs have high durability, flexibility, a wide range of hardness, elasticity, and are resistant to UV, temperature, and chemicals.

AD/PA series – Winning feel
The AD/PA series offers a soft-touch, dry haptics surface that is ideal for use in golf equipment handles and seals. The AD/PA series compounds ensure that golf putter or wedge grip, range finder, golf divot remover, and other similar parts are of the highest quality.

The TPE series also has good adhesion with PA6, PA12, and PA 6.6, as well as up to 50% glass fiber. It also has temperature stability up to 90°C and an optimized properties flow. It is available in both natural and black colors, allowing for a variety of color options based on customer preference.

Vipul Organics hires a veteran of Chemicals Industry as Head of Sales and Marketing

Vipul Organics Limited, the BSE listed (VIPULORG / 530627), leading Specialty Chemicals company in the pigments and dyes segment, announced that they have hired a senior Chemicals Industry hand, Mr. Milin Purohit, to head their sales and marketing. The appointment is important as Vipul Organics is looking at diversifying its products portfolio and focusing on new categories of business.

“Vipul Organics is very happy to welcome Mr. Purohit on board. He is a recognized expert in distribution and has opened up new avenues and channels in all the companies that he has been associated with. Our sales and marketing team will not just benefit from his cross functional leadership but also from his strong communication and interpersonal skills”, says Mihir V Shah, Executive Director, Vipul Organics. Mr. Purohit will be responsible for opening up new geographies and bringing in clients from new areas of focus.

Mr. Milin Purohit is an industry veteran and has over 36 years if experience. He has around 2 decades of experience in Chemicals and related businesses like epoxies, adhesives, sealants, construction chemicals and around 15 years in FMCG segment.

Mr. Purohit is an experienced leader and has proven track record of building result oriented teams and businesses in companies such as Pidilite Ltd., Atul Limited, Hunstman Advanced Material, Pioneer Adhesives, Supreme Industries, etc. In addition, he has worked with Luxor Writing Instruments, Polar International and Godrej Soaps. He has a Masters in Business Administration from NMIMS. Mr. Purohit will be designated AVP – Sales & Marketing at Vipul Organics.

About Vipul Organics Limited:

Vipul Organics Limited is a BSE Listed (VIPULORG / 530627) leading Specialty Chemicals company in the Pigments and Dyes segment. Today, it is amongst the foremost manufacturers of Pigments, Dyestuff, Lake Colours and Pigment Intermediaries / Fast Salts in the country. It has 6 manufacturing facilities spread across Maharashtra and has global footprint in over 50 countries. Vipul Organics ended the financial year 2020-21 with revenues of Rs.120 Crore, marking a robust 28% + growth over the previous financial year.

For more information, please visit: www.vipulorganics.com